Donald Trump, President Obama meeting described as ‘excellent’

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The transformation of Donald Trump began Thursday.

President Barack Obama met with President-elect Donald Trump at the White House.

Obama said that they had an "excellent" and "wide-ranging" conversation. Obama met with Trump in the Oval Office for more than an hour to discuss the transition of power.

Obama said he was encouraged by Trump's wanting to work with his team on issues facing the country. He said it's important for all "to now come together."

Trump said he was honored to sit down with President Obama. He said he's looking forward to benefiting from President Obama's "counsel" in the future. Trump suggested he may turn to Obama for advice on governing. He said he looks forward to being with Obama "many, many more times." He said they discussed a host of topics.

US President Barack Obama meets with President-elect Donald Trump to update him on transition planning in the Oval Office at the White House on November 10, 2016 in Washington,DC. (Photo credit: JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

Trump said that Obama explained "some of the difficulties" but also "some of the really great things that have been achieved."

Trump noted that the meeting was expected to be short, but lasted almost 90 minutes. He said as far as he's concerned, it could have gone on much longer.

Later, Trump will go to Capitol Hill to talk with congressional leaders about the Republicans' legislative agenda for next year.

While Trump and Obama met, first lady Michelle Obama and Trump's wife, Melania, met privately in the White House residence.